Sport

Fisher holds off Hoey

ROSS Fisher held off Belfast's Michael Hoey (right) to claim his first European title in almost four years with a three-shot win at the Tshwane Open in South Africa yesterday. Fisher began the final round five strokes clear and held off the chasing pack with a last-day score of 70 to finish on 20 under.

The 33-year-old had to withstand a couple of challenges on a wet final day, but a long eagle putt on the par-five 15th all but snuffed out the danger.

Fisher had not won on the European Tour since the 2010 Irish Open and, after tumbling out of the world's top 50 during his title drought, has now thrust himself into contention for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this year.

Playing partner Hoey - who at one stage reduced Fisher's lead to a single stroke - and local hopeful Danie van Tonder finished in a tie for second place with Spain's Carlos del Moral a stroke further back.

Victory leaves Fisher sitting 16th in the Ryder Cup standings and is set to lift him up to 52nd in the world rankings.